He could not refrain from boasting,--and especially from boasting about women.

His desire for glory in that direction knew no bounds, and he would sometimes mention names, and bring himself into trouble.

It was told of him that at one period of his life, when misfortune had almost overcome him, when sorrow had produced prostration, and prostration some expression of truth, he had owned to a friend his own conviction that could he have kept his tongue from talking of women, he might have risen to prosperity in his profession.

From these misfortunes he had emerged, and, no doubt, had often reflected on what he himself had then said.

But we know that the drunkard, though he hates drunkenness, cannot but drink,--that the gambler cannot keep from the dice.